Wilford Swanson

Willy was born Jan. 19, 1926, in Norway, the son of the late Charles and Agnes (Pohlson) Swanson.

Will grew up in Norway, attended Norway High School and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during WWII. After basic training he was deployed to Iwo Jima where he was severely wounded and received a Purple Heart after 43 days of active combat duty. One of his proudest moments was seeing the American flag raised in victory at Iwo Jima.

He eventually recovered from his injuries and found work in Racine, Wis. There, Will met his future wife, Betty Jane Olson, they soon married and went on to have five children. She preceded him in death on June 8, 1997, after 49 years of marriage.

Will and Betty enjoyed going to football games, both being avid Lions fans, traveling to Las Vegas and local casinos as well as being known for raising a garden — and yard — full of tomatoes. Will and Betty enjoyed taking drives to Amasa to enjoy their summer home. They spent those early summers fishing and visiting with friends in the beautiful U.P.

Will was never short of the company of friends. Many friends visited Will while he was in the VA. The family thanks Ron and Kathy, as well as Pete and Deann, for the hours they spent visiting Willy. Will was always up for a visit and never forgot a story or a face. Many hours were spent sharing stories with his friends and family about his life’s adventures.

Will lived his life as a quiet example of how hard work, and love of family, is the secret to a good life. His family will continue to pass down these lessons to our future Swanson generations.

He was a lifetime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Norway, a life member of the Norvulet Post 4581 VFW and life member of Hall-Dewinter Post 145 American Legion in Norway.

Will is survived by his son, Gary (Marsha) Swanson of Kingsford; daughter, Judy (Steve) Peterson, of Cincinnati; 13 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, David Johnson of Waucedah; daughter-in-law, Karen Swanson of Wyoming; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; son, Donald Swanson; daughters, Debra Sadorf and Lynn Johnson; brother, Carl Swanson; and sister, Betty Wenzel.

The Swanson family especially wants to thank the VA hospital staff for the exceptional care that was given to our beloved family member while he called the VA his home for over a year.

The family suggest memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 25 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Norway.

Funeral Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the church, with Rev. Dr. Michael Langlais officiating.

Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery, then Will’s family invites friends and family to a luncheon at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Condolences to the family of Willy may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.